It can spread through bodily fluids, including stools and vomit. They can catch it just from sniffing another dog or another dog's faeces.

Blue Cross said humans cannot catch it from their dogs.

The charity said: "If your dog has come into contact with bedding, food and water bowls, carpet, or a kennel that a dog with parvovirus has touched, they can catch the virus. It can also be spread on shoes, clothing and human hands.